[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 124 (Tuesday, July 31, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1657]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO MELVA JOAN ADKINS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HAROLD ROGERS

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 30, 2007

  Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, on October 13, 1964, Melva 
Joan Adkins of East Lynn, West Virginia began her career with the U.S. 
Army, Corps of Engineers, Huntington District, as a GS-3 Clerk 
Stenographer in Real Estate's Management and Disposal Branch. She 
always sought ways to show initiative and achieve results regardless of 
the assignment. Her dedication to a job well done enabled her to move 
to the top of the administrative field.
  In 1974, Mrs. Adkins advanced to the position of Conveyance Examiner 
and was responsible for assuring the Government acquired appropriate 
title to project lands. She audited project acquisition records and 
recommended actions to correct deficiencies. Melva quickly mastered the 
skills required for the position and became an expert in the audit 
field.
  Her exceptional communication skills and real estate knowledge were 
an asset when she was promoted to Realty Specialist in the Encroachment 
Section of Management and Disposal Branch in 1990. She worked on the 
very difficult Muskingum Area Encroachment Program, the first dedicated 
program of its type in the Nation. Her ability to communicate at all 
levels contributed to successful resolution of many situations.
  In 1992, Mrs. Adkins transferred to the Management Section of 
Management and Disposal Branch. Her new duties entailed the 
utilization, disposal, and leasing of civil works projects in Kentucky, 
West Virginia, and Ohio. In this position she worked with numerous 
Federal, State, and local agencies, the general public, and other Corps 
team members to meet the projects recreation and flood control 
missions. In the last two years of her employment, Mrs. Adkins arranged 
in-kind services totaling over $1,000,000 that benefited various 
District projects. She is known by Corps customers as honest and 
ethical and has consistently received recognition and praise for her 
high quality of work.
  During her career Mrs. Adkins has been an excellent role model and 
mentor to her team members. She has served on numerous Federal Women 
Program committees, served as a Equal Employment Opportunity Counselor, 
and helped to write the Huntington District's Etiquette Book for the 
Physically Challenged.
  Melva J. Adkins has made significant contributions to the U.S. Army, 
Corps of Engineers' mission. On July 30, 2007, she retired with 42 
years, 7 months, and 5 days of Federal service, and I offer my 
heartfelt congratulations on a job well done.

                          ____________________